Watsuki owns them

I just borrow for a while

No harm intended

Dreams I Dreamt Instead By Fujifunmum Chapter 10: Dinner and A Show - Twice

The invitation from Tokyo arrived in early April, a full six weeks ahead of the scheduled picnic on Mount Ueno. The Kamiya Kasshin School residents were anxious to see Sanosuke, and the early invitation was a none too subtle reminder that he had been in Kyoto much longer than expected. Misao passed the invitation around the table. The original members of the Oniwabanshuu and Sano were having a "family" dinner. It was an unusual experience these days, when their time was divided between the Gingko and the Aoiya. Plus there were training schedules and various protection assignments that could only be handled by the expert ninjas. They were meeting to discuss their future plans and the level of excitement was palpable.

Okon and Omasu were both dismayed when they read the invitation. Neither would be free to attend due to extensive upcoming commitments, but they did pause to inquire whether Hiko ever attended these occasions. If so, they had privately agreed that they would insist that Kuro and Shiro replace them so they could go to Tokyo this year with Misao. Even if that meant that both men had to don kimonos! Misao just giggled and informed them that Hiko was way too anti-social for Kaoru's picnics. Although Misao was certain that Hiko did sometimes visit Himura and Kaoru in Tokyo, she thought it was better not to mention it. He was as fond of Kenji as she was. She was fond of Kenji despite how he treated his father. She suspected that Hiko was fond of Kenji because of it.

Okina took the invitation and brought the group's conversation back to matters at hand. "Misao, this invitation is very timely. I have just learned that one of the Tokyo Inns we have been interested in purchasing, the Crane, may be available. Perhaps you and Sagara should go to Tokyo and see if we should make the Crane our next purchase?"

"It's clear from the wording on this invitation, as well as the timing, that Kaoru is anxious to see you Sano. I'd like to see everyone at the dojo, too. I can go check out the Crane and you could come to Tokyo as soon as you wished."

Okina again interrupted before Sano could answer. "Okashira, it would not be wise for you to travel to Tokyo alone. Sagara has been acting as our Chief of Security since we implemented our bodyguard and protection services. I would suggest that you travel under his protection."

Misao snorted. "Done that already. Traveling with Sano can be dangerous, more dangerous than the trip."

"Yeah," Sano rejoined, "besides, sleeping with you on the road is a pain. You do know you snore, don't you?"

Misao's ninja family were laughing so hard that nearly all of them were in tears. Misao was turning deepening shades of red and sputtered her denials in embarrassment. "Snore! Who snores!…When we sleep together I don't snore!…Oh God, I can't believe I just said that!"

Now all of the other ninjas were laughing even harder; they could barely contain themselves. There was so much noise coming from the dining room that Taro, who was assigned to security for the Aoiya for the evening came to see if everything was OK. Sano just delivered a few choice hand signals from his seat to the left of the Okashira and Taro withdrew, smiling and shaking his head at scene behind him.

Okina, on Misao's right, recovered enough to manage to cough up a few words as soon as the laughter died down. "Timing is everything, Sagara. I was going to propose this earlier, but I'm glad I waited. I think we've all come to appreciate the skills and ..um..other contributions that Sagara Sanosuke has brought to our family since he joined us late last year. I propose that we officially recognize his status as an honorary member of the Oniwabanshuu!"

The other ninjas, save Misao, immediately voiced their agreement amidst renewed laughter. Misao just sat at the head of the group, frowning and blushing with her arms crossed perversely across her chest. She just rolled her eyes at the unanimous agreement and reached out to smack Sano on the arm.

Sano was very touched by the ninja group's faith in him, but merely gave Misao an absent smirk, which turned into an evil grin when he caught sight of the pout on her face. He suddenly grabbed her right hand with his left and pulled her into an impromptu embrace, putting his right arm around her shoulders.

"You know you can't get along without me, Okashira, so I might as well go with you to Tokyo. We can check it out just like we did the Gingko. You know, you can lock me in your room. I'll even let you pick the room this time. But remember you promised me something special for my back." Sano spoke these words directly to the deeply blushing Misao, and then turned to give the rest of the Oniwabanshuu a wicked smile. They all dissolved in laughter again.

Misao struggled vainly to get Sano to release her, demanding that they all stop laughing by order of the Okashira. "Sano you baka, what are you saying? You know I only promised you something bad…" Gales of laughter forced her blush to deepen further until she felt she must be totally pink from her head to her toes. "…um, I mean I said I'd let you be bad…." Now they were all laughing too hard to hear anything she had to say.

Sano finally released her, and she stomped out of the room, too embarrassed even to yell at them anymore. Sano just poured himself some more tea and waved to her as she left.

The following morning at breakfast no one said a word when Misao entered the family dining room, but anytime anyone looked at her, they couldn't help but snicker. Misao just got herself something quick and fled to the back garden. The laughter behind her as the door closed made her cringe.

After a short time, Omasu joined her in the garden, smiling at her, but with her own mirth well under control. She sat next to Misao and waited for her to begin the conversation.

"You all don't have to laugh so hard at me, Omasu. I was embarrassed enough as it was."

"I know. And we really only laughed so much because we see how happy Sagara makes you, even when he is teasing you. It's just such a welcome change from last year that we are all relieved. We like him almost as much as you do, you know."

Misao's blue eyes widened as she looked over at Omasu. She had been trying to avoid thinking about her feelings for Sano since New Year's, burying them in the constant bustle that surrounded the Aoiya and the Gingko. She wasn't quite ready to face them just yet. Maybe she would be able to sort through them in Tokyo. But she did have something she needed to ask of Omasu and it had better be now, before she left for Tokyo since Sano was going with her.

"Omasu, can I ask a favor of you?"

"Anything, Okashira. How may I serve?"

Misao smiled, but shook her head slightly. "No, Omasu, this is just a request for a favor, not a demand by your Okashira." She looked away, a little bit shy of asking Omasu to do more work, but then she sighed and began again. "Before things got totally out of hand last night," she gave Omasu what she hoped was a stern look to quell her broadening smile. "What I was trying to say, and failing miserably, was that I wanted Sano to have "Bad" on his back again. It means a lot to him. Do you think you could possibly embroider his symbol on the back of his uniform?" She paused and looked over to see what Omasu's reaction was to this unusual request.

Omasu was merely watching Misao with great interest; calmly waiting for her to continue.

Misao took a deep breath. "You saw how Yahiko wears it now, in a smaller form on the back of his gi towards the top? That's what I had in mind." Misao looked away and seemed to be musing aloud as she continued. "I think he would really like that. He hasn't told me much about the Sekihoutai, but I know it's really important to him. Do you think you could do it before we leave for Tokyo?

"Of course, Okashira." Omasu patted Misao's hand and stood, "Leave it to me."

Kaoru and Yahiko were busy teaching classes in the dojo, dividing the space between them and encouraging their new students to be more aggressive or less aggressive, depending on their temperament. Kenshin was in the yard hanging up the laundry. Kenji was behind him throwing rocks and dirt at the newly cleaned clothing, just out of Kenshin's peripheral vision. The look on Kenji's face was a crafty combination of glee and devilment. In other words, it was a typical day at the Kamiya Kasshin dojo.

All that changed the moment Sano and Misao entered the compound. They walked through the gates and paused. Misao started towards Kenshin, but sensed that Sano wasn't beside her, so she stopped and turned to look at him. She was really glad she had. She had never really seen such a look of contentment on his face as the one he was wearing just then. He was surveying the compound, taking in each building, each porch, and each fixture. He closed his eyes briefly and she could tell he was enjoying the familiar sounds of Kaoru's teachings: bashing shinais and bokkens and the raised voices of Kaoru and Yahiko. The differences were just as remarkable. Kaoru and Yahiko were not yelling at each other and the childish voices resounding through the compound were not theirs.

Sano opened his eyes and surveyed the compound again, this time searching out Kenshin. All that was visible were his feet behind the hanging laundry. And a miniature Kenshin was poised by the washtub, dumping in dirt and stones as fast as his little hands could scoop them up. The child turned around just as Sano started towards him, gazing up with surprised blue eyes as the tall man crossed the distance in just a few steps and scooped him up by the scruff of his kimono. Kenji's mouth fell open at the sudden change of location.

Just then, Kenshin poked his head between the laundry lines to check on his son. Instead of Kenji, his violet eyes fell on two of the biggest feet in Japan.

"Sano!"

"Hey, Kenshin. I see the little guy looks just like you – except for the eye color." Turning to Kenji, Sano tossed him up, catching him underneath his arms and speaking to him face to face. "You've got your mom's eyes, Kenji, but you really do look just like your dad. I bet the little missy spoils you rotten. She can do for you like your dad would never let her."

Kenji just continued to look shell-shocked. But a sudden light was dawning in Kenshin's eyes. His amazed look made the two Himura faces look nearly identical. Sano looked from one to the other and just laughed. He tucked Kenji sideways under his arm and strode purposefully off into the dojo to see Kaoru and Yahiko.

Misao walked over to Kenshin with a big smile on her face. "How ya doing Himura? You did know the little devil was following behind you and messing up your wash faster than you could hang it up, don't you? And he followed that number up with a little extra mud in the washtub for good measure."

Kenshin's face fell and he shook his head. "He does that a lot. Like every time my back is turned. What I want to know is why Sano could explain it to me in 30 seconds. Kenji is 3 years old and I hadn't been able to figure it out in all that time."

"Sano's grown up a lot since he left. You always told me he was the one you relied on the most. Now we can all see why."

"Let's catch up with them in the dojo, Misao-dono. And you are looking well. How is everyone in Kyoto?"

Kenshin and Misao went to join their friends in the dojo, barely avoiding being trampled by the students from Yahiko and Kaoru's classes, which had just been summarily dismissed. They entered the dojo to the welcome sight of Yahiko and Kaoru both piled on Sano, both asking him a hundred questions at once. Kenji was still under his arm and looking like he would have cried up a storm for his mother's attention if he thought for one second it would work.

Kenshin looked happier than any of them had ever seen him in quite a while as he walked up to Sano and took Kenji out from under his arm, looked at him lovingly, rolled his eyes and proceeded to tuck him under his own arm exactly as Sano had. There wasn't a more shocked toddler or happier father in all of Japan.

Sano grabbed Kaoru and Yahiko in one big hug, lifting them both off the ground before releasing them both to say, "Hey, I've missed you, too. So when do we eat?"

Misao laughed the hardest at the warm and comfortable scene. She went over to retrieve Kenji from Kenshin, kissing him and then handing him off to his mom as she headed towards the kitchen. "I'll cook, Kaoru. It's your turn to put up with Sano. I've been doing all the suffering since he got back to Japan. Time to spread the wealth." Turning to Kenshin, she added, "When these three start arguing you can come and help me, ne?"

Sano turned to call to Misao before she disappeared into the kitchen, "Hey, you can't get away from me that easy. I'll be in to check your work."

Yahiko and Kaoru were both surprised by the easy exchange of banter between Sano and Misao. Not a single "chicken-head" or "weasel-girl" had yet been heard on the premises. And Misao and Sano did not have a history of actually talking to each other.

She and Yahiko both tugged at Sano's arms, dragging him over to the wall full of student and teacher's names at the Kamiya Kasshin dojo.

"What?" He asked, wondering what they were doing. "I see you have a lot of new students, that's great. But I knew that by the way they just about ran me over as I came in here."

"Look at the names." Yahiko insisted, inclining his head in the direction of one he knew would especially interest Sanosuke.

"He came! That's great!" A broad smile covered Sano's face as he found a very familiar name on the dojo wall: Outa Higashidani, his younger brother. Years ago, on his last visit home Sanosuke had encouraged Outa to come to Tokyo to study with Kaoru and Yahiko after his sister Uki married.

"He went back to Shinshuu to visit your dad and Uki. She just had her first baby. He'll be back next week. If we had known you were coming sooner, he would have stayed."

"I'll be here next week and he can catch me up on my Dad and Uki. Hard to believe that girl's got a baby of her own. She was raising Outa last time I saw her, and was still just a kid herself."

Karou reached out to touch Sano's arm, "Are you really recovered? We were so worried about you." When he nodded and smiled at her, she was quick to add, "We couldn't believe you actually hurt that thick head of yours. Did you finally get some sense knocked into you?"

"Must have, Missy. I can tell you one thing for sure. You spoil that kid rotten. He needs a little competition for your affection. Didn't I tell you before I left to have a couple of kids with Kenshin?"

Kaoru amazed herself by blushing. She didn't think that was still possible after five years of marriage. She should have known that Sano could do it in only five minutes. Her blush deepened when Kenshin came up behind her and put his arm on her shoulder.

"Sounds good to me, that it does."

Kaoru looked at all of her favorite men and did the only thing she could. She took Kenji and left the dojo, calling behind her, "I'm off to get ready for dinner. You and Yahiko can entertain Sano, Kenshin." She wasn't surprised or disappointed at the three male voices laughing at her expense behind her. She actually liked that sound quite a bit.

Sano was scowling at Yahiko. "You've changed a lot, Yahiko, you got taller. Are you still hanging around the Akebeko pretending you're not sweet on Tsubame?"

"Naw, she's so sweet on me, I couldn't hurt her feelings by rejecting her. She'll be here for dinner. Unfortunately, Tae couldn't get away. She's got a new big account for the Akebeko and can't leave tonight."

"Yeah, I know. Misao and I met with her earlier today. And I paid her for all the meals she gave me, too."

"Oro?"

"You what?"

Kenshin and Yahiko were shocked. Sano had paid his debt to Tae at the Akebeko? What had happened to him in his travels?

"Yeah, Misao and I discussed it, and it seemed like a good idea since we are going to be doing a lot of business together. We'll tell you about it at dinner. I know Misao will want Kaoru to hear all about it, too."

Kenshin and Yahiko were still speechless. Sano had paid his debt, and now he was doing business with Tae? Was she opening a gaming room in the back?

"So when did you get to Tokyo, Sano? We weren't expecting you and Misao until a little later."

"Misao suggested we come right away after your invitation arrived. She knew we had a lot of business to do in Tokyo and we managed to get a good start on things between here and the train station. But we were both anxious to get here. Misao couldn't wait to see you and Kaoru. Kenji, too. She's really fond of your kid, Kenshin. He must think he can get all women to wait on him hand and foot." Sano then turned to Yahiko, "She's even glad to see you, Yahiko."

"Yeah, she seems pretty happy, period. What's up with her? She hasn't mentioned Shinomori once. That must be some kind of record."

"Yahiko, as I told Sano, Misao-dono and Shinomori are just…friends now."

"Yeah, what he said." Sano chimed in.

"Huh? You're kidding! And she's still smiling? I don't believe it."

"Believe it, Yahiko." Sano answered; forcefully enough that Kenshin raised an eyebrow in response.

"Whatever. I'm off to get Tsubame, see ya later."

"Yes, I better go light the fire for Kaoru's bath. She has worked very hard teaching today, that she has."

"Misao is helpless without me, so I'd better get in there and help her. See you at dinner."

Dinner at the dojo was a very informal but joyous affair. Kenshin and Sano helped Misao get all the food out and served while Kaoru gave Kenji her full attention. Yahiko and Tsubame kept Kenji entertained whenever Kaoru had to get him food or something to play with so the adults could talk. At last everyone was seated for their first family-style dinner with Sano in many years.

Kenshin took his wife by surprise as he apologetically asked her to retrieve something he had left in the kitchen.

"I meant to bring the sake out here to warm while we enjoy our meal, would you mind?"

Kaoru smiled gently at her husband and rose immediately to get it, patting Kenji on the head as she left. Kenji's eyes turned huge, and he seemed startled by the simple action. Karou soon returned and smilingly gave handed Kenshin the sake so he could place it near the warmth of their fire.

The old friends were preoccupied with eating and enjoying their long delayed reunion, chatting quietly about the changes in their neighborhood and the latest news in Tokyo. Kenshin quietly drew Kaoru's attention from Kenji, asking her if there was more tea. Kaoru checked, and finding the teapot nearly empty rose to make more. Again, she patted Kenji briefly as she left for the kitchen. This time, the child attempted to stop her, trying to keep her full attention where it belonged, on him.

Kaoru gently leaned over to whisper in his ear, rubbing his back lightly as she spoke, "Kenji, your father wishes tea. I will be right back."

Kenji was blinking in surprise. He was very used to having his mother's full attention. His father usually left the two of them to talk and eat, being glad just to watch their loving interaction. He looked over at his father, but he was engrossed in eating and speaking with their visitor. Kenji looked about to cry, when Misao came over and sat next to him. If he was expecting to be comforted by her words, he was disappointed.

"How are you Kenji? We didn't have much chance to play today, maybe tomorrow. Your mom will be right back. She's making tea for your dad. Dad's come first, you know. And especially your dad. He once saved all of Japan, did you know that?"

Kenshin and Sano were eating and talking quietly, but Misao's words were not unnoticed. Sano smirked at Kenshin and said, "Good start, but you've got a long way to go with that one. He's got enough of you in him that he's not going to let you take Kaoru's attention without a fight."

"Sano, whatever are you talking about? Kaoru is bringing more tea for all of us. I'm sure Kenji understands."

"Yeah. Actually, I'm sure he does. Misao is not cheering him up any by singing your praises, either."

Just then Kaoru returned with more tea for Kenshin, offering more to their guests, as well. By the time she had returned her attention to Kenji, dinner was nearly finished. She took him in her lap to get him settled for the night and turned her attention to Sano.

Kaoru asked him to tell them about his travels. Sano just smiled and said how much fun it was to see the world, that it made him appreciate Japan more. When pressed, he relented and told them about a tiger hunt he had participated in during his last year in Mongolia. He had undertaken the task to help out a village he was staying in for a while. The tiger had been glimpsed by several of the villagers who had the misfortune to encounter it on their way out of town. He regaled them with his efforts to drive the confused but very dangerous animal out of the area. He had finally used his fists to knock the animal senseless and transported it many miles in an attempt to defeat it's unfortunate decision to treat the village as its territory.

"I left the village shortly afterwards, and I hope that damn tiger left those fools alone. I didn't want to have to kill it without a better reason than artificial boundaries." Sano paused to take another drink of his sake. Dinner was at an end and the old friends were relaxing into the evening.

Kenji had curled up and was nearly asleep in his mother's lap. Kaoru excused herself and went off to put Kenji to bed. Misao offered to help and went with her. Tsubame and Yahiko gathered up the dishes and cleared out the remains of dinner leaving Kenshin and Sano to simply enjoy each other's company.

Once all of them had returned and settled in with after dinner tea and sake, Sano turned the conversation to the present.

"Don't you want to hear about the new business Misao and I are doing? It's been a whole new experience and a lot of fun, too. Misao and the other Oniwabanshuu have expanded their Inn-keeping business. Now they have two Inns in Kyoto, the Aoiya and the Gingko. They're considering adding the Crane as their first Inn here in Tokyo. And I've been helping her set up her new bodyguard service for her wealthier clients. I've also been helping her to recruit a bit. She's great at sizing up the guys, but she needs my expertise when it comes to the women."

"Get over yourself, Sano! You know I wouldn't let you 'interview' women – too dangerous, you might hurt yourself – then who would I get to run my security services?"

"Yeah, yeah, nice try Misao. You know you're helpless without me." Sano was smirking at Misao, enjoying their banter very much. He reached over to pat her hand as he continued, "Even if I wasn't coming to see you guys, she would have had to bring me to Tokyo with her. She's checking out the potential of the new Inn here in Tokyo and can't get along without me."

Kenshin interrupted their easy banter to ask about Tae. "How is the Akebeko involved in your plans, Misao-dono?"

"Actually that part was Sano's idea. When we returned from Hiko's we stumbled into the Gingko, which Okina and the others had purchased while I was gone. It was a good thing, too, because I couldn't have dragged you any farther than that on my own, Sano." Misao paused to cast slightly worried eyes on Sano. He just gave her a soft smile and she continued. "While we were waiting for his thick skull to heal, we were in a room right across from the Shirabeko and Sano actually seems to have had an idea. I hadn't thought it possible before then. He knew we were having trouble finding enough kitchen staff to properly provide for our guests and suggested that we ask Sae to handle the food for the new Inn."

"Yeah, I told her if Sae was half the businesswoman her sister is she would be able to provide anything the Gingko would need better than anyone she could hire. Sae's location just across the street was ideal, and would allow her to employ more people in her own kitchen, under her watchful eye, and deliver anything ordered quickly and efficiently. You know all that time I spent at the Akebeko wasn't wasted. I saw how Tae ran her business and she knows just what she's doing. She can handle any business the Crane throws her without any trouble at all. And if the business grows, both sisters can use the kitchens in the Inns to continue to provide the top service Misao wants to offer." Sano paused to look over at Misao, his quick grin giving her fair warning that she had better watch out for his next words. "And it wasn't too hard to figure out to use the Shirabeko. Since Misao had me locked in her room I didn't have anything else to do but stare across the street."

"Sano! You know I only locked you in there because you wouldn't stay still enough to let your wounds heal." Misao was sputtering and turning quite pink by the end of this explanation.

"I'm surprised you didn't tie me to the bed."

"It was a near thing, idiot!" Misao gasped as she realized what she had just said. Sano just laughed at her and helped himself to a second cup of sake. The others were so stunned; they could barely manage weak smiles. The interaction between Sano and Misao was shockingly familiar. It was completely unexpected between these two old acquaintances. Or maybe not completely unexpected. Kenshin had actually laughed with Sano at Misao's last outburst. Of course Kenshin knew better than any of them that a locked door wouldn't keep Sano in or out of anywhere. He had clearly stayed with Misao because he wished to stay there.

"See, I told you, she can't get along without me."

"Right. You're so totally indispensable to my trip that Okina made you an honorary member of the Oniwabanshuu. That's the only reason I let you wear my colors, Sano. Even if I did let you put that damn "Bad" on your back. I tell people you're my bother."

"Not tonight, Misao. You just got very lucky. I reserved us the best suite at the Crane. I told them we just got married." He flashed her his very best grin and smirk combo.

"You what?" Misao leaped up at this bit of news.

"Hey, you should be thanking me. You said you wanted to see the level of service at this joint without revealing your interest in buying it. I spent a really long time figuring out how to help you do that. It must have taken me over five whole minutes to come up with this foolproof idea. After tonight, you'll know everything you need to know about the Crane. Am I brilliant or what?" Even real roosters don't crow as much as Sano did during this little explanation.

"What. I'm definitely going with what over brilliant. And just where will you be while I'M enjoying this suite?"

"I, as your chief of security and honorary clan protector will be, well, protecting you. Don't get your uniform in a twist Misao. There are at least three or four rooms in this suite. We won't have to share like we did at Hiko's – unless you want to, that is." As Misao was turning deeper and deeper shades of pink, Sano turned to Kenshin and said, "I warned her the first night at Hiko's to keep her hands off me. I just don't know what it is about me and women. Must be the world travel….pink….deep pink…..red……bright red…..fuschia. There, that's my favorite color that she blushes, just matches your gi, Kenshin. Ain't she cute?"

Misao was totally red, fuming, and exasperated. Then she just shook it off and began laughing with him. "God, you drive me crazy. I should have let you die in the mountains. Whatever possessed me to think of saving you?"

"You'd have had to explain to Hiko and Kenshin what happened."

"Yeah, I knew there was a reason. Not a good reason, but a reason. Let's go, big guy. I'm exhausted and I need my beauty sleep. You were just kidding me about that just married thing, right?"

"Nope. I'm gonna make you blush again just before we get there and introduce you as my blushing bride. So get used to it Misao." Sano languidly draped his arm around Misao's shoulders and started dragging her towards the door. "She can't keep her hands off me. It's really embarrassing in public. Dinner? Tomorrow at the Akebeko? Okashira's treat?"

As Sano and Misao left the dojo, Kaoru turned a mystified and astonished look towards her husband, who was preoccupied with his tea. Across the room, Yahiko and Tsubame exchanged wide-eyed looks, with identically raised eyebrows. They turned together to look at Kaoru, the same question in their eyes. Karou answered their look with the exact same question in her eyes. All three turned to stare at Kenshin, waiting impatiently for him to set down his teacup. When he did, he looked briefly at each of them, poured himself more tea, smiled and said, "Cute couple."

Author's Note: Thanks for reading and reviewing to Midori Natari Himura, Misanagi, Gochan, lizzie, Firuze Khanume, Akin Sijin, BladeRy, sarah & Susan.